Timely responses under RTI Act critical to ensure transparency, avoid penalties

BELAGAVI

State Chief Information Commissioner AM Prasad on Thursday emphasised the importance of timely responses under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, stating that government officials must treat it as a priority to promote transparency and prevent complications.

Presiding over a training programme for Public Information Officers (PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, Prasad reminded officials that the RTI Act was introduced to combat corruption, and compliance is mandatory. “PIOs must provide information to applicants within 30 days, and Appellate Authorities within 45 days. Failure to do so without a valid reason may invite fines and disciplinary action,” he warned.

He clarified that personal information cannot be shared under the Act unless it serves public interest. “Sharing false information or intentionally withholding data with malicious intent will not be tolerated,” Prasad added.

The Belagavi division bench of the RTI Commission, established in 2019, has received over 12,000 applications, with more than 3,000 from Belagavi district still pending. Prasad said instructions have been issued to expedite the disposal of these cases.

He also directed departments to make PIO contact details easily accessible, including on official websites. Applications related to key departments such as revenue, rural development, and police must be prioritised, he added.

“If any records are missing or stolen, an official complaint must be filed,” he stressed, urging departments to conduct monthly disposal drives to clear pending RTI requests.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan welcomed the workshop as a valuable initiative to help officials handle RTI requests efficiently. He announced that district-level review meetings would be held once every three months to assess progress.

Belagavi Bench Information Commissioner Narayan Channal, Superintendent of Police Dr Bhimashankar Guled, and ZP CEO Rahul Shinde were present.

BOX

“All officers and staff should be aware of the RTI Act to provide timely and accurate information,” – AM Prasad, Chief Information Commissioner.